"Ohio's heroes work hard in critical jobs to make a difference in our lives through improved education and necessary safety and healthcare," said Doug Garver, Executive Director for the Agency. "Because of their selfless acts, we welcome this opportunity to give back to these employees by making it easier and more affordable for them to purchase a home."

The borrowers have to be full-time professionals and meet OHFA's First-Time Homebuyer Program standard mortgage guidelines. The mortgage is being offered at a quarter of a percent under OHFA's rate for the First-Time Homebuyer Program. In addition, a temporary federal exemption allows veterans who may have owned a home in the past three years to qualify under the First-Time Homebuyer Program.

OHFA utilizes federal and state resources to provide housing opportunities for families and individuals through programs designed to create, preserve, and manage affordable housing throughout the State of Ohio. The Agency is a self-supporting quasi-public agency governed by an eleven-member board, nine of whom are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Two additional seats on the board, by statute, are reserved for the Director of Development and the Director of Commerce,or their designees, and both serve as ex officio voting members.